Pensioners under the Ibadan North Local Government chapter of the Oyo State Local Government Pensioners Association have formally endorsed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency Bye-election, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle, popularly known as DON.
The endorsement was made on Monday during the pensioners’ monthly meeting held at the Ibadan North Local Government Secretariat, where they unanimously pledged their support for the PDP candidate ahead of the August 16 poll.
The meeting had in attendance the Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Pensions Board, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige; the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade; and Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON himself.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige described Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle as a credible, humble, principled and loyal politician who has consistently demonstrated a passion for grassroots development.
He highlighted DON’s impressive performance during his tenure as a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly and as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde, assuring the pensioners that he would deliver quality representation at the National Assembly.
“I know you all love Governor Seyi Makinde, and he loves you too. He does not like to see pensioners suffer and has always worked towards your welfare.
I urge you to support Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON in the forthcoming election because he will make you proud,” Hon. Ige said.
Hon. Ige also announced that Governor Makinde has approved a sum of ₦2 billion for gratuity payments, with disbursement scheduled to commence in August.
In his remarks, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade commended the leadership of Hon. Akeem Ige at the Pensions Board and expressed appreciation to the pensioners for their continuous support for the present administration.
He assured them that the PDP candidate would uphold the values and style of leadership exemplified by Governor Makinde.
“The pensioners remain very important to us, and I thank you for always standing by our Governor.
Hon. DON is someone who sees Governor Makinde as his mentor and will not disappoint you.
I urge you to give him massive support,” Olufade said.
Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON, in his speech, paid glowing tribute to the pensioners for their years of dedicated service to the state, acknowledging their vital role in the re-election of Governor Makinde.
“I respect you so much because you have served tirelessly.
I assure you that just as Governor Makinde has never disappointed you, I will not disappoint you. My commitment to your welfare is unwavering,” he said.
DON also made personal financial contribution towards the construction of the pensioners’ secretariat building.
Speaking on behalf of the pensioners in Ibadan North Local Government, their chairman, popularly known as Baba Ricket, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Makinde for restoring dignity and life to retired workers after what he described as neglect by the previous administration.
“For this reason, we will always support anyone endorsed by Governor Seyi Makinde,” he said, while also commending Hon. Olufade for prioritizing the welfare of pensioners in Ibadan North and applauding Hon. Ige’s leadership at the pension board.
At the end of the meeting, the pensioners, through a unanimous decision, officially endorsed Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON as their preferred candidate for the August 16 Bye-election.
